It’s safe to say most girls would had at least one Barbie growing up, whether brand-new or hand-me-down. For most of you, that fashionable doll clad in vibrant dress and neon high heels would probably have been your favourite at some point.
When Margot Robbie was announced as the lead for the live-action Barbie movie, most people cheered as the Australian actress’ girl-next-door features were practically made for the role.
Now, after over a decade of development, plenty of promotional ads, and countless memes, “Barbie” has finally arrived in Malaysian cinemas! So, does it live up to all the hype?
Directed by Greta Gerwig, “Barbie” starts in Barbieland (with expositional narration by Helen Mirren), a perfect utopia where the Barbies hold all the power, from being doctors and reporters to supreme court justices and even president. Meanwhile, the Kens only exist to serve them or live in their shadows.
In their bright pink dreamworld, the dolls go to the beach and party every day – until one day, Robbie’s Barbie starts thinking about death, and her arched feet fall flat on the ground.
As it turns out, the Barbies and Kens in Barbieland have a doll-self in the real world (i.e. ours), where they have owners (i.e. us). Plagued with negative thoughts, the titular heroine heads to the real world – specifically, Los Angeles – to find the girl who plays with her likeness.
Unbeknownst to her, Ken (Ryan Gosling) tags along after sneaking into her dream car, and thereafter has his own spiritual awakening as he realises men are in charge here.
Ken realises he finally has the chance to be respected and, much to Barbie’s dismay, ends up bringing these patriarchal standards back home. Adoi.
Firstly, it must be reiterated that Robbie, who is also a producer, is perfectly cast. The actress, with her wide range, is more than capable of handling the complexity her role requires – and make no mistake, despite how things look, this is a complex part.
Her Barbie’s picture-perfect proportions and sunny painted-on smile slowly fade as she faces an existential crisis that threatens to ruin everything she loves, all of which Robbie delivers on point in a skillful and nuanced performance.
Then there’s Gosling’s Ken, the second best part of the film. Charming, lovestruck but conflicted by perpetually being in Barbie’s shadow, he is able to bring all those emotions and more to his character in a scene-stealing performance.
Despite showing off his tanned, fit physique in almost all his scenes, the actor nevertheless manages to prove he’s more than just a pretty face, and is especially memorable in the movie’s song-and-dance numbers.
Then there’s the simple fact that “Barbie” is oh-so-pretty. The first half, set in Barbieland, is splashed with so many shades of pink that its production designer said it led to a global shortage of the paint, LOL!
Indeed, the humour in “Barbie” includes many self-referential jabs at its maker, Mattel, so much so that you might wonder how it got approved. It even brings up controversial decisions made by the toy company in the past, such as pregnant doll Midge, and Skipper, whose chest would grow with the twist of an arm.
All of this works in part thanks to Mirren’s fourth-wall-breaking jokes, which are a highlight.
For all its merits, however, “Barbie” can feel like you’re watching two movies at once: one focused on Barbie and another on Ken. As it tries to do two things at once, it fumbles in taking a stance on its message.
Case in point: the third act is about how the Barbies plan to topple the patriarchy imposed upon Barbieland by the Kens. But it simultaneously makes you feel bad for Gosling’s own misguided Ken who, for the first time, feels respected.
On the one hand, there’s the theme of female empowerment; yet on the other, you’re meant to empathise with Ken. Who are you actually supposed to root for here?
In another scene, when one character delivers a passionate speech about how hard it is being a woman in the real world, some good points are given… but then it goes on for way too long and ends up feeling preachy and overdone, when less would have been more.
That said, there’s enough material here for a Ken offshoot based on the hunky doll’s internal struggles with finding his worth and purpose. One supposes it’s only a matter of time, Hollywood strikes notwithstanding.
All in all, “Barbie” may not be perfect, but it promises an entertaining time for kids and adults alike. This is thanks to its easy-on-the-eye leads, dazzling and delightful design, and good (mostly) clean fun.
As of press time, ‘Barbie’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.